Promising Women's Eagles go 1-2 in London

LONDON -- The USA Women’s Eagle Sevens team went 1-2 today in the London IRB Women’s Challenge Cup losing 5-12 to France and 5-22 to defending World Champions, Australia. The young USA team showed great promise though and showed what they can do in a 50-0 trouncing of China.

The Eagles schedule tomorrow will depend on how the rest of the games finish on day one. It is likely that the USA will enter the cup quarterfinals and may even have another crack at Australia. Checkusarugby.org for the latest information.

Four Eagles, Erica Cavanaugh, Bui Baravilala, Ashley Okonta, and Meya Bizer are new to international sevens, the greenest of a very young squad USA Head Coach Ric Suggitt named for London.

The Eagles were up 5-0 over France at halftime after captain Deven Owsiany dotted down after Jillion Potter broke off a fantastic run to set up the score. The French stormed back in the second period for the 12-5 win, however. It was a different story against China.

Eight Eagles scored against China, while the USA did not allow a single point through. A confidence builder like that for the USA helped get things going against Australia, but also will help the younger players gain confidence.

Against the defending world champions, the USA went down 0-10 early but veteran flyer Vanesha McGee got her team on the board and the Eagles were within a score at the half. A gritty second half showing by the USA wasn’t enough to contain the champs though and Australia ended with the win.

It’s probable that the USA will get a second crack at Australia tomorrow.